Patient Information
From preventive treatments to cosmetic enhancements, we empower our patients to achieve optimal oral health.
First Visit Information
What to Anticipate
During your first dental visit, our priority is to gain a comprehensive understanding of your oral health. Our dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral cavity. This examination serves to identify any existing dental concerns, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or potential indications of oral cancer. This proactive approach allows us to detect and address issues early on, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your oral well-being. In addition to the examination, your first visit might include a teeth cleaning session. Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, this cleaning may be carried out on the spot or scheduled for a follow-up appointment. This tailored approach ensures that we provide the most effective care based on your specific needs.Timeframe
Your first dental appointment is designed to be thorough yet efficient. You can anticipate spending approximately 1 to 1½ hours with us. This timeframe allows us to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your oral health while also giving you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. For patients under the age of 18, we kindly request that a parent accompanies them to the appointment. We believe that involving parents ensures a holistic approach to your dental care and fosters a collaborative environment for maintaining excellent oral health.What to Bring
With just a few simple forms, we’ll ask for relevant medical history, any medications you might be taking, your dental history, and any dental insurance coverage you may have. Want to get a head start? You can fill them out at your convenience before your appointment. Click here to fill them out.Kids first visit
It is generally recommended that an infant be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth.What happens at the first dental visit?
The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. This visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. Some dentists may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the examination. The parent may also be asked to wait in the reception area during part of the visit so that a relationship can be built between your child and the dentist.During the examination, the dentist will check all of your child’s existing teeth for decay, examine your child’s bite, and look for any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. If indicated, the dentist will clean any teeth and assess the need for fluoride. He or she will also educate parents about oral health care basics for children and discuss dental developmental issues and answer any questions.
Patient Forms
To ensure your visit to our office is as smooth as possible, we offer a collection of patient forms that you can conveniently fill out prior to your appointment. By completing these forms in advance, you not only expedite the check-in process but also enable our medical staff to better focus on your individual healthcare needs.
Benefits of Pre-Filled Patient Forms:
- Efficiency: Pre-filling your patient forms allows us to process your information before you arrive, reducing the time spent in the waiting room and allowing us to attend to your medical concerns promptly.
- Accuracy: By taking your time to accurately complete the forms, you help us ensure that the information we have about you is up-to-date and correct, which is crucial for providing you with the best care possible.
- Personalized Care: When we have your medical history and other relevant details beforehand, our healthcare professionals can have a better understanding of your unique needs, allowing for more personalized and targeted treatment recommendations.
- Less Stress: The waiting room experience can be stressful for many individuals. Filling out forms beforehand allows you to arrive at our facility with confidence, knowing that you’ve already taken care of the necessary administrative tasks.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the patient forms, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly front desk staff at (310) 327-4166 or [email protected]. We’re here to help you have a seamless and comfortable healthcare experience.
Financials
We are committed to providing exceptional healthcare services while ensuring a seamless and transparent financial experience for our valued patients. Our comprehensive range of payment options is designed to accommodate your preferences and needs.
Insurance
We are pleased to accept a all PPO insurance plans, empowering you to receive the medical care you deserve. However, we do not accept any HMO insurance plan. Our knowledgeable staff will work diligently to assist you in verifying your coverage and ensuring a smooth claims process.
Medi-Cal
We proudly participate in the Medi-Cal program, extending our commitment to accessible healthcare to a broader community. Your well-being is our priority, and we strive to make quality healthcare accessible to all.
CareCredit
Recognizing that healthcare needs may arise unexpectedly, we offer the convenience of CareCredit financing. With flexible payment plans and competitive interest rates, CareCredit allows you to manage your medical expenses on your terms.
Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
For those who have set aside funds in FSA or HSA accounts, you can utilize these funds to cover eligible medical expenses at our clinic. This streamlined approach simplifies your financial transactions and promotes efficient healthcare access.
Lending Club
Our partnership with Lending Club enables you to explore financing options tailored to your preferences. Experience the freedom to focus on your health without unnecessary financial burdens.
Cash and Cards
We accept both cash and major credit/debit cards, ensuring that your payment process is straightforward and convenient.
At Torrance Dental Associates, we believe that financial considerations should never be a barrier to exceptional healthcare. Our dedicated team is available to address any questions you may have regarding our payment options, insurance coverage, or billing inquiries. Rest assured that your well-being is at the forefront of our services, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly staff for any assistance or clarification regarding our financial policies. Your trust in us is greatly valued, and we look forward to providing you with the highest standard of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Dentistry FAQ's
We understand that dental anxiety is a common concern. At Torrance Dental Associates, we prioritize patient comfort. Our friendly and caring staff create a calming environment to help alleviate anxiety. We also offer sedation options to help you relax during procedures, ensuring your experience is as stress-free as possible.
Yes, we use modern digital X-ray technology, which significantly reduces radiation exposure and ensures patient safety.
If you're dealing with bad breath, known as halitosis, the experts at Torrance Dental Associates can help. While regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning are crucial, bad breath can also be linked to underlying dental issues or health conditions. Our team will conduct a thorough examination to identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatments and strategies to combat bad breath effectively.
Preventing gum disease requires a combination of good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to Torrance Dental Associates. Our dental professionals will educate you on proper brushing and flossing techniques to remove plaque from your teeth and gums. Regular professional cleanings are crucial to remove tartar buildup and catch any signs of gum disease early, ensuring your gums stay healthy.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for preventive care. During these visits, our dentists thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to detect potential issues early, preventing them from becoming more serious problems.
Even with good oral hygiene practices at home, plaque and tartar can accumulate. Our skilled dental hygienists perform professional cleanings to remove stubborn plaque and tartar, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
We use advanced digital X-ray technology to obtain detailed images of your teeth and underlying structures. Digital X-rays emit less radiation than traditional X-rays, making them safer. These images aid in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Tooth-colored dental fillings are used to treat cavities. They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring an attractive appearance while effectively restoring the health of your teeth.
Healthy gums are crucial for overall oral health. If we identify early signs of gum disease, we offer effective treatments to stop its progression and restore your gums to optimal health.
Healthy gums are crucial for overall oral health. If we identify early signs of gum disease, we offer effective treatments to stop its progression and restore your gums to optimal health.
We take a gentle approach to extractions, especially in cases of severe damage or impacted teeth. Our priority is to ensure your comfort throughout the process and provide the necessary aftercare.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ's
Professional teeth whitening treatments can dramatically brighten your smile by removing years of stains from coffee, tea, and certain foods, giving you a vibrant and dazzling smile.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover imperfections like chips, gaps, and discolorations. They create a flawless and stunning smile often associated with Hollywood smiles.
Natural-looking dental crowns restore damaged or weakened teeth, providing strength and aesthetics. They seamlessly blend with your existing teeth and address issues like cracks and large cavities.
Cosmetic bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to fix small chips or gaps, enhancing symmetry and beauty in just one visit.
Gum contouring procedures create a balanced relationship between teeth and gums, addressing issues like a gummy smile or uneven gum line to achieve a harmonious and stunning smile.
Smile makeovers combine various cosmetic treatments to create a customized smile that complements your unique features and personality, offering a transformative improvement.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQ's
We recommend that children visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges or by their first birthday. Early dental care sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Our team focuses on preventive treatments such as dental cleanings, fluoride applications, and dental sealants to protect your child's teeth from cavities and promote excellent oral health.
We've crafted a kid-friendly environment that feels like a welcoming playground. Our colorful decor and playful atmosphere help children feel at ease and excited about visiting our dental practice.
Our caring pediatric dentists understand that children have unique dental needs and fears. We take the time to build trust and rapport with each child individually, creating a positive dental experience.
Yes, our pediatric dentists are skilled in providing a wide range of specialized treatments, from treating cavities to managing teething pain, ensuring effective care for various dental issues.
We believe parents play a crucial role in their child's oral health. Our team partners with parents, providing guidance and support to maintain their child's dental well-being at home.
Specialty Dentistry FAQ's
The dental implant process at Torrance Dental Associates involves several steps. First, our skilled implant dentist will assess your oral health and create a customized treatment plan. During the implant placement procedure, a titanium post is surgically positioned in your jawbone. Over a few months, the post fuses with the bone, providing a stable foundation. Finally, a lifelike dental crown is attached to the implant, restoring the appearance and function of your missing tooth.
Endodontics focuses on treating the inner portion of the tooth, particularly the pulp and root canals. Root canal therapy becomes necessary when a tooth's pulp becomes infected or damaged, requiring removal to prevent extraction. This procedure allows us to save the natural tooth and preserve oral health.
Periodontics specializes in diagnosing and treating gum diseases. Our periodontists provide comprehensive care to maintain healthy gums. Procedures like gum grafting and dental implant placements are also offered to restore gum health and improve the overall aesthetics of your smile.
Our oral surgeons are skilled in a wide range of procedures, including routine tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, and dental implant placements. Their expertise allows them to handle even the most complex cases with precision and proficiency.
Prosthodontics specializes in crafting dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. Our prosthodontists focus on restoring both function and aesthetics, ensuring that you regain full dental functionality while enjoying an enhanced smile appearance.
TMJ/TMD therapy focuses on treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and related symptoms. Our specialists offer personalized therapies to ease discomfort and restore comfort and functionality to your daily life.
Yes, our specialized dental treatments cater to patients of all ages. Whether you're a child, teenager, adult, or senior, our experts offer a wide range of services designed to address various dental needs and ensure optimal oral health at every stage of life.
Orthodontics FAQ's
Invisalign® is a revolutionary clear aligner system that offers a discreet and comfortable solution for teeth alignment. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® aligners are virtually invisible, removable, and provide the convenience of easy oral hygiene maintenance.
Absolutely! Our comprehensive orthodontic services cater to adults as well. Achieving a straighter smile is not age-dependent, and properly aligned teeth offer both confidence and oral health advantages for individuals of all ages.
We recommend early orthodontic evaluations for children by the age of seven. Early intervention can address emerging issues and potentially prevent the need for more extensive treatments later. This approach sets the foundation for optimal oral health throughout a child's life.
Transparent communication is central to our approach. Our dedicated orthodontic specialists will guide you through every aspect of your treatment, ensuring you are fully informed and empowered at each step. Your comfort and understanding are our priority.
Our time-tested traditional braces have evolved to become smaller, more comfortable, and highly efficient in achieving precise tooth movement. These advancements ensure optimal results for patients seeking a classic orthodontic solution.
The journey doesn't end with the completion of treatment. We provide a personalized retention strategy to maintain the alignment of your newly straightened teeth. This tailored plan ensures the longevity of your results and protects your investment in a radiant smile.
Emergency procedures FAQ's
Dental emergencies encompass various situations such as severe toothaches, dental trauma, abscesses, lost restorations, and bleeding gums. If you're experiencing acute pain, trauma, infections, or other urgent oral issues, our emergency dentistry team is here to provide immediate care.
Accidents can happen anytime. Our emergency dentistry services include expert dental trauma care. Our skilled specialists are equipped to salvage and renew your smile, blending technical expertise with compassion to guide you through the aftermath of dental trauma.
Dental abscesses require urgent intervention to prevent further complications. Our adept dentists swiftly address these critical situations, delivering precise treatment to curtail the infection's progression and safeguard your oral and overall health.
We understand the emotional toll dental emergencies can take. Our empathetic team creates a compassionate environment, ensuring you feel at ease from the moment you enter our practice. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, making your emergency experience as soothing as it is corrective.
If you're unsure whether your condition is an emergency, it's best to err on the side of caution. Reach out to our emergency dentistry team for guidance. In general, issues involving severe pain, bleeding, trauma, or infections should be treated promptly.
Absolutely. Our commitment to your well-being extends beyond the immediate emergency. We provide guidance for post-emergency care and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that your recovery progresses smoothly and your oral health remains in optimal condition.